Austal launches Oman Navy support ship

HENDERSON, Australia, Oct. 26 (UPI) -- Austal, the Australian shipbuilder, has launched a high speed support vessel being built and outfitted for the Royal Navy of Oman.

The vessel is 236.2 feet in length and was launched Saturday from the company's facility in Henderson, South Australia, after 13 months of construction work.

The future RNOV Al Mubshir will complete final fitting before sea trials. It will be delivered next year.

"From our defence portfolio, Austal is currently contracted to deliver 10 127m (416.6 feet) frigate-sized Littoral Combat Ships and 10 103m (337.9 foot) Expeditionary Fast Transport vessels to the United States Navy – as well as two OPV-sized 72m (236.2 foot) High Speed Support Vessels, here in Western Australia for the Royal Navy of Oman, said Austal Chief Executive Officer Andrew Bellamy"

"Our track record here in Australia and overseas clearly supports Austal's strong proposition that we can effectively and efficiently deliver the Australian government's Future Frigate and Offshore Patrol Vessel programs."

Oman contracted Austal in 2014 for two HSSVs. Construction of second ship is underway. The contract for the ships is worth $124.9 million.

The HSSV, also known as a Joint High Speed Vessel, is aluminum hull ship and offers naval support capabilities, such as helicopter operations, and rapid troop and cargo deployment